Gorden Wagener's Mercedes Red Pig Concept
Gorden Wagener spent 29 years as Mercedes' Chief Design Officer, and before stepping down last month he revealed a concept that never left his sketchbook. The design reimagines the original "Red Pig," one of AMG's most audacious racing moments. In 1971, AMG transformed a luxury sedan into an endurance racer with a 6.8-liter V8, then stunned the racing world by finishing second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa. That car weighed 3,600 pounds and hit 165 mph. Wagener's 2026 concept retains the Cardinal Red paint scheme that earned the original its nickname, updated with modern LED headlights incorporating the three-pointed star, a massive chrome grille, and five-spoke wheels echoing the 1971 original. Published in his November 2025 book Iconic Design and shared via Instagram, the concept proves some legends deserve a second look.

